Tuesday, June 11, 2013

A Post at HOA Talk on Roof deck patio drains and heavy downpours that the drains can't handle and results in flooding

Here's the start of a good discussion at HOATalk.com...

Hi, 

I have the only open patio in my complex with 4 roofs above that drained holy hell into my patio during a storm in Austin TX (some areas saw 4+ inches of rain that day) in April 2013 and filled my patio up with 4 inches of water before it found it's way under 2 sliding glass doors and through the wall of the closet in between. The 2 two inch drain pipes couldn't handle the volume of water that was in there. (It acted like a bathtub) The management company that reepresents the HOA says it's my problem and my liability for it's flooding and subsequent repairs. If it's inside the floor of the patio that is not sufficient how is that in my scope of liability? 


Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
 Feeling Social?


Sunday, June 9, 2013

CAI Approves Our Seminar for One Hour of Continuing Education Credit for CMCA's

 Attention Community Association Managers-Management Firms

CAI has just approved our seminar "Hit the Deck: Inspecting, Maintaining and Replacing Waterproof Decks" for one hour of credit for CMCA's needing recertification. 

California based CAI chapters and management firms-call now to book us for a seminar and you'll learn that- 

Depending on their construction and care, decks can either boost property values or drain reserves. Whether your community is looking to build new decks, replace older structures or maintain existing ones, this seminar will teach you how to protect your clients investments.

Beloved by homeowners as extra living space, decks are often despised by board members and community managers because of the problems that always seem to come with them. Of the top 10 building components named defective in suits, waterproof decks are high on the list. 

Topics
  • Types of decks
  • Conducting deck inspections
  • Maintenance of waterproof coatings
  • Calculating the total cost of deck ownership
  • Manufacturer warranties
  • Best practices for replacement projects

Speaker
Bill Leys is a former Certified Manager of Community Associations who is now a deck waterproofing contractor and consultant. He spent three years working for Manderley Property Services in San Luis Obispo, Calif., managing 16 associations. He is the author of "Deck Coatings and Their Care," which was published in a number of CAI chapter magazines, ECHOJournal and has also presented seminars and webinars for chapters, ECHO and APRA. 


Your CMCA designated managers can receive one hour of credit towards re-certification. 

For information and to schedule a seminar, contact me at 

Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
 Feeling Social?


Thursday, June 6, 2013

Cookout Season Brings Rash Of Deck Failures - Decks - JLC Online

Watch out for falling decks!
' In the Long Island, New York, community of Long Beach, five people cooking out on a balcony attached to a brick building were hurt when the balcony failed, NBC 4 New York reported ("5 Hurt When Balcony Collapses on Long Island"). The station repored, "Fire Commissioner Scott Kemins attributed the collapse to a 'mixture of structural failure as well as the live load on the balcony -- five people, a barbecue, it was probably too much for the elderly balcony.'"

Read the rest of this article at journal of light construction
http://www.jlconline.com/decks/cookout-season-brings-rash-of-deck-failures.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=jump&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JLCNL_060613&day=2013-06-06

HOA That Failed to Maintain Hit With Notice of Violation by Building Inspector

Failing to maintain will get your HOA in hot water with the City as this one in Virginia learned. It's cheaper to maintain than replace...


The homeowners association of a Bon Air condominium complex has been charged in Chesterfield General District Court for failing to maintain its property as required by the county's building code.

The misdemeanor summons filed Jan. 17 against Edgehill Condominium Association Inc., stems from multiple building code violations identified last August by Joseph E. Moncrief, an inspector with the county's Department of Building Inspection.

According to Moncrief, the violations include exposed footings, holes under foundation walls, holes in exterior walls, a leaky roof and improperly installed support columns under a common walkway. 

Read the rest here http://www.chesterfieldobserver.com/news/2013-06-05/Front_Page/HOA_at_Edgehill_condo_complex_faces_suit_over_code.html


Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
 Feeling Social?


Saturday, June 1, 2013

Neighborhood Firefighters Stress BBQ Safety; We Say Never Use an Open Flame Grill on a Deck on Multi-Family Housing

Neighborhood Firefighters Stress BBQ Safety

Sunday, May 26, 2013 |  Posted by LAFD Media and Public Relations

The seasonal migration to decks, balconies and backyards is underway, as Americans fire up gas and charcoal grills. With an increase in outdoor recreation comes a spike in barbecue fires. To keep your family safe, the Los Angeles Fire Department and U.S. Fire Administration offer simple tips for outside cooking safety.

Use All Barbecue Grills Safely:

  • Never leave a barbecue grill unattended.
  • Place the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill. Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone".
  • Use long-handled grilling tools to give yourself clearance from heat and flames.
  • Keep the grill clean. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it.
  • Use only outdoors! Grills used indoors or in an enclosed space, such as a tent, poses an extreme risk for fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Charcoal Grills:

  • Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
  • Dispose of charcoal coals only after they are cool. Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals. Place the container away from anything that can burn. Never empty coals directly into a trash can.

Propane Grills:

  • Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.
  • Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up and maintain the grill.
  • Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
  • If your grill has a gas leak by smell or soapy bubble test - and there is no flame:
    • Turn off the propane tank and grill.
    • If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
    • If the leak does not stop, call the Fire Department.
    • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
  • Light a propane grill only with the cover open.

Watch What You Heat...

  • Lack of proper attention is the leading cause of cooking fires.
  • Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, bags, food packaging and towels away.
  • Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves. Loose clothing can dangle and catch fire.
  • Do not cook if you are sleepy, drinking alcohol or taking medicine that makes you drowsy.


Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
 Feeling Social?


What The Hell? This HOA Needs a Policy That "Satellite Dishes Shall not Be Larger Than Your Deck"

All I can say is "Pal, get with the now, there's these new satellite dishes available that are only 18" in size."    

Bill Leys-The Deck Expert
NEW PAPERLESS FAX # 805-856-1528 (by Hello Fax)
805-545-8300 Central California
424-235-3196 S California
831-244-0874 N California
www.concretefloorstore.com  gallery of concrete flooring, installed by CCW
 Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com
 
 Feeling Social?